Mikaila Adams
Associate Editor – OGFJ
KPMG LLP, the US audit, tax, and advisory firm is collaborating with First Book, the nonprofit organization placing new books into the hands of children in need. KPMG has contributed $250,000 and sponsored the distribution of more than 200,000 brand new books to children from low-income families nationwide in 2008.
The man leading the way in Houston is KPMG partner Matt Pellows. As part of the tax services arm of the firm, Pellow advises oil and gas clients on the state and local tax implications of their business activity. The scope of the work includes, not limited to, assisting with state tax analysis for mergers and dispositions, sales tax audit defense and refund projects, research and consultation regarding state tax issues, and nexus studies.
Pellows knows that he could have never achieved his current position without one fundamental skill. “The ability to read is the fundamental building block to success. Every significant opportunity that I’ve had during my career stems back to the fact that I can read. I am delighted to be part of the First Book/KPMG collaboration that will help transform children’s lives with the magic of books,” he explained.
“The First Book/KPMG initiative is also special to me because it has developed into a family activity. My wife and I chair the steering committee of KPMG’s Houston office efforts, which include fundraising and the development and rollout of events. My 14 year-old daughter also participates, not only to provide the teenage perspective for our programs, but to also take responsibility for some of those programs. It’s a wonderful growth experience for us, both as individuals and as a family,” stated Pellow.
KPMG’s Matt Pellows attended a recent First Book/Harper Collins kick-off event at Houston’s Katy Bell Elementary School. From left: Matt Pellows; First Lady Laura Bush; Jolynne Pellows, spouse champion of KPMG’s Family for Literacy - Houston; Beth Veihmeyer, America’s chairman’s spouse and co-founder of KPMG’s Family for Literacy Photo courtesy of KPMG
“As soon as I was given approval to lead KPMG’s Houston office First Book efforts I reached out to all members of the Houston office asking for support. Within minutes of sending out that first email I had an overwhelming response, enabling me to quickly assemble a steering committee and a small army of volunteers to help with the programs.
“With the level of support from the firm as a whole, my KPMG colleagues and our families, I know we can open a whole world of opportunities to children who before now may never have owned a book,” he continued.
First Book is teaming with KPMG’s Family for Literacy, an initiative that organizes volunteers to fund the purchase of books, conduct reading programs in schools, and work with existing literacy programs to distribute books supplied by First Book. The program initially launched in seven key cities in 2008, including Denver, CO, Minneapolis, MN, Washington DC/ Tyson’s Corner, VA, Short Hills, NJ, Montvale, NJ, Stamford, CT, and Houston, TX.
“We applaud KPMG for weaving First Book into the fabric of their philanthropic and community values in such a sweeping and tangible way,” said Kyle Zimmer, president of First Book. “Thanks to the vision of Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, spouses of KPMG LLP’s chairman and deputy chairman, who helped galvanize all segments of KPMG in this cause, KPMG is making an enormous and lasting impact on the lives of children served by First Book.”
“Encouraging children to read is absolutely crucial to their development and future learning potential,” said Timothy P. Flynn, chairman and CEO of KPMG LLP. “First Book is a world-class organization with a compelling mission and a 15-year record of accomplishment. Together we will open new worlds of possibility for children who need books in their lives,” said Flynn.
For more information about First Book, please visit www.FirstBook.org.
